Schedule Woes Hit Oklahoma Volunteer Departments

OKLAHOMA CITY --

A growing fire threat has volunteer firefighters juggling jobs to protect property in Oklahoma.

Statewide, there are more than 7,000 volunteer firefighters and virtually all of them have other jobs. Some volunteer departments are unable to respond to calls because of their members' other commitments.

"I can pretty well just stop what I'm doing and go to the fire department," said Chief Bobby Gardner, of the Dover Volunteer Fire Department.

Gardner is a rancher and isn't locked to a specific work schedule.

"Basically, I take care of 508 momma cows and their baby calves," he said.

His job allows him to respond as soon as his pager goes off.

"I've actually taken my boss on a fire (call)," he said. "He's been in a pickup with me when my pager has gone off."

Gardner works close to the fire station and can usually be there within minutes. However, he knows that other volunteers don't have it so easy.

"I work an 8 to 5 job and they expect me to be there from 8 to 5," said Deer Creek volunteer firefighter Bruce Dobey.

Dobey works as an environmental consultant and rarely reaches for his bunker gear during the day.

"If volunteers can't get off work or they don't work for themselves, then nobody comes to the call," Dobey said. "That can get pretty serious."

With 900 different volunteer departments across Oklahoma, a lot of people are counting on protection.

"We need people that can take off work, and we need employers that will let employees off work to do what we do," said Gardner. "And you've got to love it."

Some departments have firefighters who are working two jobs to make extra money, making them even less available to answer calls. Anyone offering to become a volunteer firefighter can call 800-FIRE-LINE for more information.

Copyright 2008 by koco.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.